In the hurling semi-final Loughgiel, who had relied on the brilliance of all-star forward Liam Watson to secure a replay last weekend, were well beaten by St Thomas of Galway at Clones.

Watson, who had smashed home a last gasp goal to earn his side a draw seven days previously, could not muster the same heroics at the second time of asking with his side managing only seven points against the Connacht Champions.

In fact both sides only managed 0-6 a piece in what was a drab first half compared to the original fixture, but St Thomas came out a much stronger side in the second period, scoring eight unanswered points to seal an impressive 0-15 to 0-7 win.

Meanwhile in the football semi-final Crossmaglen, who were seeking to secure their third consecutive All-Ireland title, were in control for much of the contest against St Brigid's, although the Roscommon side did take control with a goal early in the first half.

Cross fought back in characteristic fashion though, and the game was all-square until St Brigid's scored a crucial goal through Conor McHugh with three minutes left on the clock.

Jamie Clarke pointed late on, but it wasn't enough to secure a replay as Kevin McStay's side avenged their 2011 final defeat to Cross by progressing to the final on 17 March.